Clean Up Your Mouth to Prevent Strokes

Clean up Your Mouth to Prevent Strokes

May is Stroke Awareness Month: Understanding the Oral Health Connection

May is recognized nationally as Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the causes, warning signs, and prevention of strokes. While many people understand the traditional risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet, one critical connection often goes unnoticed—oral health.

Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and neglecting it can open the door to serious systemic health issues, including stroke.

The Oral-Systemic Link: More Than Just a Smile

Oral health is not just about teeth and gums. Inflammation caused by gum disease (periodontitis) has been closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Here's how it happens:

Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, triggering the body’s immune response.

This immune response can lead to chronic inflammation, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries) and blood clots.

These conditions can increase the likelihood of a stroke, especially in individuals already at risk.

Recent studies have shown that those with moderate to severe periodontal disease are at higher risk for ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain.

Warning Signs of Stroke to Know

Recognizing the signs of a stroke can save a life. Remember the acronym BE FAST:

Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination

Eyes – Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes

Face – Facial drooping on one side

Arms – Arm weakness or numbness

Speech – Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

Time – Time to call emergency services immediately

How Good Oral Hygiene Can Help Reduce Stroke Risk

Brush and Floss Daily – Removing plaque reduces the bacteria that cause gum disease.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings – Dental professionals can detect and treat gum disease early. Treat Gum Infections Promptly – Don’t ignore bleeding gums, swelling, or bad breath.

Quit Smoking – Tobacco use increases both oral disease and stroke risk.

Manage Chronic Conditions – Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are interconnected with oral and cardiovascular health.

Spreading Awareness, Promoting Prevention

This Stroke Awareness Month, take a moment to look beyond the surface of oral health. A healthy mouth isn't just about preventing cavities—it’s about protecting your whole body, especially your brain and heart.

At Restart Hygiene, we're committed to educating individuals, caregivers, and communities about the vital link between oral health and systemic disease. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps, we can help reduce the risk of preventable strokes and promote longer, healthier lives.

Your Mouth Matters. Your Health Depends on It.

Let May be the month you recommit to oral wellness—not just for your smile, but for your life.

Becky Moore is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 32 years of clinical experience here to educate and promote oral health. She teaches all aspect oral health and how the mouth and body are connected.